Practical and entertaining recreational vehicle

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for a practical and entertaining form of recreational transportation, easily transportable to weekend events. It is a compact transport kart ( 10 ), designed to carry at least one human passenger. It also transports its passenger across open road, or off-road terrain. The transport kart provides advantages and benefits over the prior art through use of a most unique type of body element ( 20 ), comprising of, or substantially resembling, a common ice-chest or common cooler. The body element can be selected of sufficient size and shape to also carry additional passengers, plus can be configured to carry ice and refreshments. The transport kart includes a power source ( 23 ) for propulsion, plus a set of wheels ( 21 ) and ( 22 ) mounted for rotation. A rotational output from the power source is drivingly connected to at least one of those wheels, therefore providing for a most unique and entertaining form of transportation.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention generally relates to transportation vehicles, moreparticularly to a recreational type transport vehicle, which is compactin design, and capable of transporting at least one human passenger in amost practical and entertaining manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Discussion of Problem

It happens far too often when one wishes they could pull out some typeof compact transport device from the back of their vehicle to carry themto their final destination. This might occur when one arrives at aweekend event and then realizes that they must then walk a significantdistance to actually reach the site of that event. Some events can be solarge, that the walk from the parking lot to the event, is nearly amile. Still other events can require miles of walking, just to see allthe attractions.

Having to walk long distances to get to ones event is unacceptable.Having to walk long distances within an event is unacceptable. To makematters worse, one might have also wished to bring some refreshmentsalong, and must now struggle to carry a heavy cooler over that longtrek, or worse yet, have to leave those refreshments behind.

This is only one example of when someone might wish for some type ofcompact transport device. The problem at hand is a lack of such adevice, one which is compact and light enough to be easily loaded totake to an event, yet be up to the task of transporting one or morepassengers across various terrain. It would also be desirable if thatdevice could be capable of carrying ones ice and refreshments as well.

Discussion of Prior Art

There are many known recreational type vehicles that could certainlyprovide for ones weekend transportation. One could additionally carry anice-chest or cooler onboard, to carry ones refreshments.

All these devices however were designed for other tasks, making themlarger, heavier, and more awkward than actually needed for the task athand. This prevents one from being able to easily transport such adevice to a weekend event. In addition, some have limitations inperforming the task required, and some are just too expensive tojustify.

An example of one such transport vehicle might be a golfcart. It couldcertainly be used to transport oneself, and one could certainly carry acooler onboard. Hauling a golfcart however is no simple chore. Golfcartsare quite large and very heavy, requiring a large truck or trailer totransport them. In addition, they are limited to use on only open road,or gentle off-road terrain. If one could indeed transport a golfcart,one would quickly realize that it requires a substantial amount of roomto operate and maneuver. This would certainly be a problem whenattending a crowded event. The extra room needed to maneuver also limitsits use off-road, especially in wooded areas, such as parks andcampgrounds. A 4-wheel ATV might be used instead, which is better suitedfor both rougher terrain, and tighter conditions. These again are heavy,plus complex, therefore expensive machines, and again require a truck ortrailer to transport them. One would also need to securely strap acooler somewhere onboard for adequate carrying of ones refreshments. Yetanother alternative might be to use a go-kart type vehicle, with sometype of mounting means to securely carry the cooler. Go-karts once againrequire a truck or trailer to haul them, and also require a substantialamount of room to operate and maneuver because of their wide stance. Inaddition, most go-karts ride low to the ground, which limits theiroff-road use as well. Yet even another option might be a scooter ormotorcycle, or other two-wheeled device. A framework or bracketry wouldagain be required to carry a cooler full of ones refreshments. Thecooler however would have to be quite limited in size because of itshigh mounting position along with the need to maintain proper balancewhile operating such two-wheeled devices. This is especially importantwhen there is some quantity of water mixed with ones ice andrefreshments sloshing around within the cooler. This limits theiroff-road usefulness as well.

In addition to all the above, if one utilizes any of the prior art, onewould certainly be denied entry into events that prohibit motorizedtransit.

Accordingly, some of the shortcomings and disadvantages of using suchprior art include:

the heavy weight of these devices,

their large physical size,

the difficulty in loading these awkward devices for transport,

the requirement of a truck or trailer to haul them,

the extra room needed to operate and maneuver these devices,

their complexity,

their high cost,

their limitations in off-road use,

the need to still carry a cooler if taking refreshments along,

an additional rack or support means to secure that cooler for transit,

and denied entry into events which prohibit motorized transit.

Objects and Advantages of the Present Invention

The present invention was created to provide for adequate transportationat a weekend event, plus be easily transportable to those events.

The present invention is a compact, self-propelled, wheeled device, alsoreferred to as a transport kart, or simply a kart. The present inventionallows use of a common ice-chest or common cooler for the body elementof this kart. The passenger simply sits atop the cooler duringtransport. The present invention allows for the power source used inpropelling the kart, to be concealed within this body. This can give thetransport kart the appearance of simply a common cooler, setting upon aset of wheels, disguising its true capability.

The present invention also allows for various configurations of thekart, to provide for transport of one or more passengers, and for thecarrying of ones ice and refreshments. In addition to all this practicalvalue, the present invention also provides for some outstanding andunexpected entertainment.

In the field of this invention, as best as currently known, no prior arthas ever been invented that is designed to be as efficient, and aspractical, at performing the task at hand, or as entertaining whileperforming that task.

As stated above, the present invention provides for adequate weekendtransportation, and does so in a most efficient and practical manner.This is achieved through the use of this most unique body element, acommon ice-chest or common cooler. Use of a common cooler allows one totake advantage of its many built-in features and benefits. To startwith, the cooler type body is already suited for carrying ice andrefreshments, and with the kart configured in this manner, eliminatesthe need to carry that separate cooler as required when using the priorart. It then further eliminates the need for those additional racks andsupport means to secure that cooler during transit. The size and shapeof a particular cooler body can also be chosen to best meet ones needs,for example to allow the carrying of additional passengers. Use of acommon cooler further provides for a multitude of functions thateliminates many of the components required by the prior art, ones whichare required when transporting humans. This makes the transport kartsimpler in design, more compact, and lower in cost. These benefits areexplained in more detail below.

By allowing use of a common cooler, it allows for passengers to sitdirectly upon the body element itself, eliminating the need for anyseating components or seating structure. This is possible because thepresent invention takes advantage of the stiff structuralcharacteristics of the common cooler. The thick insulated typeconstruction provides the strength needed to support such weight, withno additional seating elements required. This same construction alsoprovides for the insulated environment needed to maintain cool storageof ones favorite refreshments. Additionally, the cooler body is built ofdurable material, which is also resistant to the outdoor elements. Thiseliminates the concern and cost of providing such protection.

Furthermore, because the transport kart must employ a power source topropel itself, protective guarding for the passengers must beconsidered. The inherent open design of a common cooler can provide forpartial, if not full concealment of this power source. When one preparesa common cooler for concealment of a power source, which will bediscussed later in more detail, the cooler body can shield itspassengers from various rotating parts. This eliminates or reduces theneed for protective shields or guards. Furthermore, the insulated bodyprovides for significant noise reduction, an important consideration ifused on a hunting trip, or in a populated area. Still yet, this built-ininsulation also provides a thermal barrier between the passengers andany heat given off by a power source. This reduces or eliminates theneed for heat shields or firewalls.

By disposing the power source in such a concealed manner, it also makesthe transport kart smaller in physical size, enhancing its ability tofit into tight places, which makes this kart more maneuverable andusable in tight quarters and crowded events where others devices mightnot. The small size additionally makes for a kart which is lighter inweight, easy to pick up and move if needed. More importantly, because itis so compact and light in weight, the transport kart is now easy toload into the back of ones SUV, van, or pickup, finally allowing formost everyone to take such a device to a weekend event.

Still further, the transport kart might also gain entry into eventswhere prior devices might not. This is made possible, partially thruthis concealment of the power source, plus by allowing for the kart tobe pulled by hand, described later in more detail. When being pulled byhand, with a concealed power source, the kart gives this appearance ofsimply a common cooler, setting upon a set of wheels. This prevents theconveyance of any intentions of motorized transit, as one certainlywould convey if arriving on the prior art.

The present invention also allows use of readily available powersources. The invention allows usage and concealment of power sourceslarge enough to carry more than one passenger, plus carry them acrossopen road or off-road terrain. The invention also allows use ofadditional and extra power for providing more exciting entertainment, orfor additional uses.

Additionally, selecting of a cooler body of sufficient size and shape,along with proper positioning of its mounting, allows for this bodyelement to support its passengers in such a way as to prevent ones feetfrom contacting the ground while being transported. This functioneliminates the need for running boards or for footrests, simplifying thetransport kart even more.

All the above benefits now allow for a most efficient, compact, andeconomical device, resulting in a simple and reliable vehicle, easy tomaintain, and lower in consumer cost.

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of this present inventioninclude:

-   -   providing a compact device capable of providing adequate        transportation at a weekend event,    -   providing a compact device which allows for easy and simple        transport to those events,    -   providing a body element which is already suited to carry ice        and refreshments, eliminating the need for a separate cooler,        plus extra racks and support means to secure that cooler for        transit,    -   providing a body element that can be selected in size and shape        to carry one passenger, or more,    -   providing a body element which provides adequate seating for its        passengers, eliminating the need for separate seating elements        and support structure,    -   providing a body element with built-in insulation, maintaining        cool storage of ones ice and refreshments,    -   providing a body element with built-in insulation, shielding its        passengers from power source heat, and reducing or eliminating        the need for heat shields or firewalls,    -   providing a body element with built-in insulation, reducing the        noise emitted to the surrounding environment,    -   providing a body element made of durable material, plus        resistant to outdoor elements, eliminating cost and concern of        providing such protection,    -   providing a body element configurable to conceal a power source,        shielding its passengers from rotating parts, and reducing or        eliminating the need for additional guarding,    -   providing a body element configurable to conceal a power source,        allowing for possible entry into events where the prior art        would not,    -   providing a transport kart which is compact and small in size,        able to maneuver in tight quarters and crowds where prior art        can not,    -   providing a transport kart which is light in weight, providing        for easy pick up and moving, and for easy loading into the back        of ones vehicle to take to weekend events,    -   providing for use of common and readily available power sources,        ones large enough to easily convey its passengers across open        road, or off-road terrain,    -   providing for use of additional and extra power, to provide for        more exciting entertainment, or for additional uses.    -   providing for use of a body element, sufficient in size and        shape, to provide positioning of passengers up away from the        ground, eliminating the need for footrests or running boards,    -   and providing for a most efficient, compact, and economical        device, resulting in a simple and reliable transport kart, easy        to maintain, and lower in consumer cost.        Entertainment Value

In addition to all the above practical value, the transport kart alsoprovides for some outstanding, and unexpected, entertainment. It does sofirst by providing for a most unique style of human transport. Uponcasual observation, the layman might think the transport kart is again,just a common cooler sitting upon a set of wheels. However, when onesees someone hop upon the body of the kart, then go motoring across thelandscape, one quickly becomes amazed and amused by it all. Moreastonishing yet, when that same someone hops back off the kart, opens upthe lid, and proceeds to pull out an ice cold refreshment, the amazedonlooker now shakes their head in disbelief.

This type of reaction was witnessed repeatedly during testing of thekart within the public realm. The reaction and response wasoverwhelming. It was demonstrated to entertain all those who viewed it.The local media published an article about the invention, which wasfollowed by letters received from individuals stating that it was “mostout of control”, “cool”, “awesome”, and stating “thanks for the laughs”.The transport kart is truly a unique piece of entertainment value.

The cooler type body can also provide for a substantial amount ofdisplay area, across which one can reflect ones personality, or show offtheir special interests. One might display their favorite team colors,or favorite racecar number, or special paint scheme across the body,adding a personalized touch to ones vehicle, plus entertaining all thosewho view it. Commercial businesses have also shown interest in the kart.They have expressed interest in displaying their business names acrossthe body, advertising such as a sponsor would on a racecar. Thetransport kart draws so much attention that it has attracted thesebusinesses to consider its use as a unique, eye-catching, andentertaining form of advertising. The simple and clean appearance of acommon cooler, immediately associated with fun and recreation, makes fora perfect advertising backdrop.

The common cooler is also being produced in a multitude of colors,including for example, olive drab. The manufacturers are creating thesespecialty coolers in response to the special needs of the consumer. Theavid hunter for example wanted to maintain a lower profile while campingwithin their favorite hunting grounds, so requested olive drab.Additionally, special promotional type coolers are appearing, to helpsupport a cause, or to promote a product, or a team. Some, or all ofthese specialty coolers may be suitable for use on the presentinvention, to better meet ones specific needs, or to just provide forsome extra fun and entertainment while showing ones support.

In addition to all the above, the transport kart can also open up awhole new world of opportunity and enjoyment for persons who are lessable. This kart can now transport them, along with their favorite foodand beverage, to places they dared not, or could not go before. Thedesign of this kart makes it easy to set oneself upon. There are nodoors or obstructions to prevent one from simply sliding oneself overonto the body, and assuming the natural sitting position for transport.

In summary, the transport kart provides for some outstandingentertainment value, including the additional objects and advantagesthat follow:

-   -   providing for a most unique style of vehicle for human        transport,    -   providing for enjoyment and excitement while being transported,    -   providing for an entertaining way to amuse others,    -   providing for a fun means to display ones special interests,    -   providing for a fun means to reflect ones personality,    -   providing for an eye-catching means for businesses to advertise,    -   providing for a fun and different means of showing ones support,    -   and providing for a vehicle which can open up a whole new world        of opportunity and enjoyment for those less able.

These, plus further objects and advantages will become more apparentwhen considered with the drawings and the ensuing descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a most practical and entertainingmeans of recreational transportation. It is a compact transport kart,capable of transporting at least one human passenger. It comprises abody element comprising of, or substantially resembling, a commonice-chest or cooler. It also comprises at least two wheels, plus atleast one power source which includes at least one rotational output. Itincludes a means to drivingly connect the rotational output of the powersource to at least one of its wheels. It further includes a means toretain the body, wheels, and power source as one contiguous device,capable of supporting human passengers for transport, while rolling uponits wheels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of the transport kart, showing one possibleconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1, but showing a partial cut-awayview of the body element.

FIG. 2A depicts an alternative configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2B depicts a second example of an alternative configuration of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the transport kart, showing possiblesteering, speed, and brake control means.

FIG. 4 depicts a pull handle, for manual pulling of the kart, and a towbar for towing of additional devices by the kart.

It should be noted that the drawings are illustrations for the purposeof this disclosure, and do not define limits of this disclosure.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

-   10 transport kart-   20 body element or container-   21 front wheel-   22 rear wheel-   23 power source-   24 rotational output-   25 chain-   26 sprocket-   27 centrifugal clutch-   28 frame or chassis-   29 fastener-   30 fastener-   31 vent-   32 opening-   33 exhaust conduit-   34 hole-   35 support pad-   40 stowage space-   41 bulkhead-   50 steering control means-   60 speed control means-   70 brake control means-   80 pull handle-   90 tow bar-   100 business advertisement-   120 body element-   121 front wheel-   122 rear wheel-   123 power source-   128 chassis-   132 opening-   135 support pad-   220 body element-   223 power source-   228 chassis-   235 support pad-   320 body element-   323 power source-   335 support pad

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

General Configuration

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a transport kart 10, showing one possibleconfiguration of the present invention. It shows a body element 20, afront wheel 21 and a rear wheel 22, plus a power source 23, shownpartially concealed, and a frame or chassis 28 to retain the body, thewheels, and the power source as one integrated and contiguous devicecapable of rolling on these wheels. It is important to point out thatthere are other configurations of the present invention that mightbetter meet ones specific needs or desires, but for the purpose of thisdisclosure, only a few examples will be depicted. Many otherconfigurations are possible, which may include the use of three wheels,four wheels, or more, including use of various types and sizes of wheelsfor various types of terrain or use, or the use of a smaller bodyelement, or larger body element, a concealed or non-concealed powersource, lower or higher placement of the body element, etc. Componentsmay vary in type, size, or in placement, based upon ones specific ordesired needs. As stated previously and as illustrated in FIG. 2A, thepresent invention allows for use of a common cooler for the bodyelement. An example of such a cooler might be the IGLOO brand cooler, ofthe 115 quart size. It must be noted however that the present inventionallows use of any suitable cooler, or other embodiment substantiallyresembling one, for example as those depicted in each of the drawingfigures.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a business advertisement 100,displayed across body element 20. The simple and clean appearance of acommon cooler makes for a perfect backdrop for a business advertisement.

Construction

FIG. 2 depicts the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but showing a sidecut-away view of body element 20, to better depict this oneconfiguration of the present invention. It better depicts use of chassis28 to support power source 23, along with wheels 21 and 22 mounted forrotation. Use of a chassis type element is a well-known and common meansfor integrating the components of a wheeled device into a singlecontiguous unit. This, or even other means for assembly are acceptable.

FIG. 2 further depicts power source 23 mounted in such a manner thatdisposes the power source partially within body element 20. Thisconfiguration might be chosen to provide for a most compact design. Onemay also choose to configure their vehicle with additional power, to notonly propel the weight of the vehicle itself, plus its human passenger,but to also carry ones iced down food and drink, plus possiblyadditional passengers, plus maybe tow another wagon or cart behind. Apower source required to perform such tasks might be a 5 horsepowergo-kart type engine. To maintain a most compact design however, with allthe associated benefits of being compact, one should consider disposingthis power source at least partially within the body element of thekart. Altering the configuration of a suitable cooler can provide forthis. As depicted in FIG. 2, a section of cooler floor can be removed,providing for a opening 32, which allows positioning of the power sourcepartially within body element 20. This configuration now allows thepresent invention to still maintain its clean and simple outwardappearance of the common everyday cooler, yet employ a power sourcecapable of performing the desired tasks. An alternative to removing asection of floor from the bottom of a common cooler, might be tomanufacture a body element substantially resembling the common cooler,but manufactured with the opening already incorporated into itsconstruction. One can then still retain that all-important outwardappearance of a common everyday cooler. This type of body element isreferred to as, substantially resembling a common cooler. Depending onones specific desires, one can choose to install an opening asillustrated in FIG. 2, or not as FIG. 2A illustrates, or to install anopening in the back as depicted in FIG. 2B, or in some other desiredarea of the body. This is allowed as well, to best meet ones specificneeds.

FIG. 2 therefore shows power source 23 attached to chassis 28, usingsuch common threaded fastening devices as a fastener 29. The powersource however may also be positioned in other locations, or attached toother elements, using other fastening means. Furthermore, many types ofpower sources are available, which may also be suitable for use in thistransport kart. As depicted in FIG. 2B, examples might include, but arenot limited to, electric motors such as those used in golf-carts, ortwo-stroke internal combustion engines such as those used on smallmotorcycles or scooters. It is left up to the individual to choose apower source that best meets their needs.

Further in reference to FIG. 2, depending upon the type of power sourceused, one may require additional insulation within the body (not shown),or some means of ventilation, such as a vent 31. A vent means can allowfor unwanted heat to escape from the region about the power source whenone disposes a power source within the body element. Opening 32, asshown located in the bottom of the cooler body, can provide for anentrance for cool air to enter, as heated air rises and escapes throughthe ventilation means. Furthermore, if using an internal combustionengine where fresh air is required to promote the combustion process, anopening can provide for this as well. Still yet, with an internalcombustion process, hot exhaust gases are generated, requiring a safepoint of exit for these hot gases. The opening could also provide forthis safe point of exit. One could simply direct the exhaust flowthrough the opening as depicted, using a exhaust conduit 33 to channelthose hot gases. Additionally, one could reduce the heat radiated from aexhaust conduit by wrapping the conduit with readily available exhaustheat tape (not shown) to reduce the heat generated within the area.

Propelling of this transport kart is accomplished by incorporating ameans to drivingly connect a rotational output of a power source, to atleast one wheel. Many such means are known, and are in common use today.FIG. 2 depicts one such means, comprising a centrifugal clutch 27,mounted on a rotational output 24 of power source 23, with a chain 25rotatively connecting centrifugal clutch 27 to a sprocket 26, depictedmounted on rear wheel 22. This is only one common method of drivinglyconnecting a rotational output from a power source to at least one wheelfor the propelling of a wheeled vehicle. Various other methods, plusmethods for providing 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, etc, could also beused. Intermediate devices can be inserted into the drive system aswell. Examples might be a multi-shift transmission, or a variable speedbelt drive, or multiple chains, sprockets and shaft combinations asdepicted in FIG. 2B, or others which have not been depicted for thepurpose of this disclosure). These are all means commonly employed insuch popular recreational vehicles as go-karts, mini-bikes, snowmobiles,4-wheelers, golf-carts, etc, with components readily available on thecommercial market. It should also be noted that this is true for all thecommon or well-known types of methods or means mentioned throughoutthese discussions.

Construction Continued

Also depicted in FIG. 2. is a bulkhead element 41, which can be usedwhen it is desired to segment the interior of body element 20. Thismight be done when one wishes to carry ice and refreshments within thetransport kart body, but disposed the power source within the bodyelement. Bulkhead 41 could be installed to create a stowage space 40,providing an isolated containment space for ones ice and refreshments,plus providing for insulation of that space from heat given off by thepower source.

Additionally in FIG. 2, is depicted a possible attachment method forretaining of body element 20 to chassis 28, using common threadedfasteners such as a fastener 30. A series of these threaded fastenerscould be placed through holes, such as a hole 34, drilled proximate tothe bottom perimeter of body element 20, and threaded into support pads,such as a support pad 35, located strategically around chassis 28. Otherattachment methods may again be acceptable for retention and desiredpositioning of the body element as FIGS. 2A and 2B begin to illustrate.These would be acceptable providing one skilled in the art givesadequate consideration to positioning and proper distribution of theloads imposed upon the body over a sufficient amount of support padarea, thereby preventing unacceptable deformation of the body elementunder those loads.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the transport kart. It depicts an exampleof a steering control means 50, such that the passenger can pivot thefront wheel, or wheels, about some substantially vertical axis, or axes,allowing directional control of the transport kart as it is beingpropelled on its wheels. The steering control input means might comprisea tee handle, a wheel, or any other suitable shape for one to applymanual input to steer the kart. There are many known methods and manycommercially available components available, to provide for steering ofwheeled vehicles. Any of these, or one of a different more preferreddesign, may again be applied to this invention.

FIG. 3 also depicts a speed control means 60, for providing speedcontrol of the transport kart. Depicted control means 60 represents atwist grip type cable control, commonly used for governing therotational output speed of an internal combustion engine, such as forexample, one used on a mini-bike. Simple twisting of the handgrip inturn pulls a cable (not shown), opening a throttle linkage on theengine, increasing engine output speed, and in turn vehicle speed. Thisis just one of many known and common means for speed control. Variousother methods may be preferred depending upon the power source selected.For example, if an electric motor was selected, one might choose acontrol method that would operate a variable speed transmission, or onemight select an electrical means that varies motor speed directly.Again, there are many common and well-known means for controlling theoutput speeds of power sources, or of intermediate devices such astransmissions, or others. Any suitable method is acceptable.

Depicted also in FIG. 3. is a brake control means 70. This depicts acommon hand lever type means, whereby pulling of the hand lever pulls ona cable (not shown), which in turn might squeeze a set of friction padsagainst a disk or drum, which can be mounted on a wheel, or on an axle,or intermediate shaft, rotatively connected to a wheel, in turn brakingthe vehicle. Once again, there are many types of braking means availablefor one to choose from, or one can use one of their own design.

Many passenger input controls are commercially available, many beingused on such vehicles as go-karts, mini-bikes, snowmobiles, 4-wheelers,golfcarts, etc, which are acceptable devices for this invention.

Additional Features

FIG. 4 depicts a pull handle 80, shown comprising the upper section ofsteering control means 50 pivoted forward, for possible pulling of thetransport kart by hand. This, or another pull handle means, can be agreat advantage when attending an event where motorized transit isprohibited. This type of feature allows one to still attend the event,simply by walking and pulling ones kart by hand, preventing one fromconveying any motorized transit intentions.

FIG. 4 also depicts a tow bar 90, which could comprise of simply anextension of chassis 28, or some other means, to provide for a towingconnection to allow towing of additional devices, or for preventing onefrom rotating the kart beyond a comfortable angle of inclination whenpopping a wheelie, as will be explained below. The tow bar could be usedto tow a wagon or cart behind the transport kart, to allow transportingof additional passengers, or additional cargo. One could use thisfeature for a multitude of tasks, towing any number of additional items.It would be left up to ones imagination as to the additional value onecould derive from the invention.

Operation

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, to operate this transportkart, configured as one described above, one might first load theirtransport kart 10 (FIG. 1) with ones favorite ice and refreshments. Onewould do so by simply opening the lid of the cooler type body 20 (FIG.1), then load their ice and refreshments into stowage space 40 (FIG. 2).Once loaded, one would prepare the transport kart power source 23 (FIG.2) for powered operation. Once complete, and the lid re-closed, onecould then sit upon the forward end of body with their legs bent overthat forward end. They could then engage the power source through speedcontrol means 60 (FIG. 3), to accelerate the transport kart to a desiredspeed. One would then steer the direction of motion of their transportkart through use of steering control means 50 (FIG. 3), directing themtowards their desired destination. Upon arrival at that destination, onecould then apply braking to their kart, through brake control means 70(FIG. 3), bringing one to a smooth stop. One could then dismount thekart, and if desired, open the lid of their cooler type body, and selecttheir refreshment of choice.

One can additionally, further enhance the excitement and entertainmentvalue of ones transport kart, by providing for sufficient speedreduction between the rotational output of the power source, and thedriving wheel, or wheels of the kart. This can be achieved through useof multiple chains and sprockets (again, none of which are shown). Onewould then increase the torque available for vehicle acceleration bydoing so. By doing this, one might accelerate the vehicle fast enough tocause the center of mass to pivot about the rear wheel axis of rotation,resulting in the lifting of the front wheel, or wheels, off of theground. This is commonly referred to as “popping a wheelie”, which hasrepeatedly been demonstrated to bring out cheers and laughter from thesurrounding crowd, adding to ones entertainment value, and to onespersonal driving excitement.

Accordingly, some further benefits and advantages of the presentinvention include:

-   -   allowing use of readily available commercial components,    -   allowing use of various types of power sources,    -   allowing use of various type drive means, and intermediate        devices,    -   providing use of a bulkhead element, to allow isolated and        insulated containment of ones favorite refreshments, while still        allowing for concealment of the power source within the body        element,    -   providing a pull handle to allow manual pulling of ones kart,        allowing possible entry into events where motorized transit is        prohibited,    -   providing a method to increase vehicle acceleration, to provide        additional wheelie popping excitement, and entertainment.

CONCLUSION

The transport kart is a simple device. It can be assembled using avariety of well-known and readily available parts, such as thosecommonly used on go-karts, mini-bikes, snowmobiles, 4-wheelers,golf-carts, etc. It provides for a most practical means oftransportation, providing transport for at least one human passenger,configurable with power enough to perform additional tasks, or toprovide additional entertainment. The transport kart has been repeatedlydemonstrated to amaze and amuse all who view it. It draws so muchattention that businesses are considering its use in advertising. Itmakes for a most compact, and lightweight device, easily loaded into theback of ones vehicle to take to their favorite weekend events. No priorart has such built-in features and advantages. The transport kart canconceal its power source to maintain a simple and clean appearance ofthe common and everyday cooler. It can provide a drive system capable oftaking off popping wheelies, transporting one in a fashion like no otherdevice before it. No prior art is as unique, or can provide for so muchenjoyment and entertainment while performing the task at hand.Additionally, no other device can open up a whole new world of enjoymentto those less able.

RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

Although, the description of the transport kart above contains muchspecificity, these should not be construed as to limit the scope of thepresent invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of thepreferred embodiments.

Thus, the scope of the present invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than the examplesgiven.

1. A transport kart capable of transporting at least one human passengerthrough use of a most unique type of container for said human passengersto sit and ride upon during transport, whereby said transport kartcomprises: a) a container representative of the common ice-chest orcommon cooler and of sufficient size and structure to provide theprimary means of support and seating for said human passenger to sit andride upon, b) at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, saidrear wheel spaced apart from said front wheel, said wheels being mountedfor rotation to at least one frame, c) at least one support pad attachedto said at least one frame and including means for retention of saidcontainer, said container retained on said support pad by said means forretention whereby said support pad is positioned to extend support fromsaid wheels to said container, d) and at least one power source retainedupon said transport kart and including at least one rotational output,means to drivingly connect at least one said rotational output to atleast one wheel, and in a manner that provides propulsion for saidtransport kart while rolling upon said wheels, whereby through the useof such a unique type of container to support and carry one or morehuman passengers, one can now omit several elements previously requiredby the prior art, and without any loss of capability, therebysimplifying the device over the prior art to solve the problem ofproviding a more compact and lightweight human transport vehicle.
 2. Thetransport kart of claim 1, wherein said container includes a stowagespace, whereby providing convenient stowage of ones ice andrefreshments.
 3. The transport kart of claim 1, wherein said containerincludes an opening for at least partial concealment of said powersource, whereby providing for a more compact device with added shieldingand insulation for said human passenger.
 4. The transport kart of claim1 wherein said container includes means for ventilation for allowingunwanted heat to escape.
 5. The transport kart of claim 1, furtherincluding means to provide steering control for allowing said humanpassenger directional control of said transport kart.
 6. The transportkart of claim 1, further including means to provide speed control forallowing said human passenger speed control of said transport kart. 7.The transport kart of claim 1, further including means to provide brakecontrol for allowing said human passenger braking control of saidtransport kart.
 8. The transport kart of claim 1, further including apull handle, whereby allowing manual pulling or towing of said transportkart.
 9. The transport kart of claim 1, further including a tow bar,whereby an additional wagon, cart, or other device could be attached fortowing by said transport kart for providing additional transport ofpassengers or cargo, or for conducting other functions.
 10. Thetransport kart of claim 1, further including means to provide steeringcontrol and means to provide speed control for said human passenger tooperate while riding upon said transport kart.
 11. A transport kartproviding for a most practical and entertaining means of humantransportation by providing for attachment of a selectable containerwhich is substantially representative of the common ice-chest or commoncooler to provide the primary means of support and seating for at leastone human passenger to sit and ride upon during transport, whereby saidtransport kart comprises: a) at least one front wheel and at least onerear wheel, said rear wheel spaced apart from said front wheel, saidwheels being mounted for rotation to at least one frame, b) at least onesupport pad attached to said at least one frame and including means forretention of said selectable container, said selectable container to beretained on said support pad by said means for retention whereby saidsupport pad is positioned to extend support from said wheels to saidselectable container between said frame and said selectable container,c) and at least one power source retained upon said transport kart andincluding at least one rotational output, plus means to drivinglyconnect at least one said rotational output to at least one wheel, andin a manner that provides propulsion for said transport kart Whilerolling upon said wheels, whereby through attachment of such a uniquetype of container to support and seat one or more human passengers, onecan now omit several elements previously required by the prior art, andwithout any loss of capability, thereby simplifying the device over theprior art to solve the problem of providing a more compact andlightweight human transport vehicle.
 12. The transport kart of claim 11,further including means to provide steering control for allowing saidhuman passenger directional control of said transport kart.
 13. Thetransport kart of claim 11, further including means to provide speedcontrol for allowing said human passenger speed control of saidtransport kart.
 14. The transport kart of claim 11, further includingmeans to provide brake control for allowing said human passenger brakingcontrol of said transport kart.
 15. The transport kart of claim 11,further including a pull handle, whereby allowing manual pulling ortowing of said transport kart.
 16. The transport kart of claim 11,further including a tow bar, whereby an additional wagon, cart, or otherdevice could be attached for towing by said transport kart for providingadditional transport of passengers or cargo, or for conducting otherfunctions.
 17. The transport kart of claim 11, further including meansto provide steering control and means to provide speed control for saidhuman passenger to operate while riding upon said transport kart.
 18. Amethod of providing transportation for at least one human passenger in amost practical and entertaining manner through providing a transportkart that utilizes a most unique type of container to support and seatits passenger during transport, whereby said method comprises: a)providing a container representative of the common ice-chest or commoncooler and of sufficient size and structure to provide the primary meansof support and seating for said human passenger to sit and ride upon, b)providing at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, saidrear wheel spaced apart from said front wheel, said wheels being mountedfor rotation to at least one frame, c) attaching at least one supportpad to said at least one frame and including means for retention of saidcontainer, d) retaining said container on said support pad by said meansfor retention whereby said support pad is positioned to extend supportfrom said wheels to said container between said at least one frame andsaid container, e) and providing at least one power source retained uponsaid transport kart and including at least one rotational output, plusmeans to drivingly connect at least one said rotational output to atleast one wheel, and in a manner that provides propulsion for saidtransport kart while rolling upon said wheels, whereby, when providingfor use of this most unique type of container to support and seat one ormore human passengers for transport, one can now omit several elementspreviously required by the prior art, and without any loss ofcapability, thereby also providing for a more compact and lightweightform of human transportation.